HUDDERSFIELD CIVIC SOCIETY MEMBERS’ NEWS

If you didn’t make it to our AGM you may not know that I formally stood down as chairman after seven years in the post. It will be a few weeks before committee colleagues take up some of my work tasks so I’ve agreed to make this my final Update before passing the baton on. HCS AGM and Presentation by Historic England, March 26, 2025 Our AGM, details of which will be published on the website shortly, was followed by a fascinating insight by Charles Smith, Policy Director at Historic England, called Heritage – Looking To The future’. Charles, who … Read more

Another busy period ahead, especially in terms of activities and events which I hope you will be able to attend. Forthcoming Events HCS AGM and Speaker Event, Wednesday, March 26 at 6.30pm, Brian Jackson House, 2 New North Parade, Huddersfield HD1 5JP 6.15 -6.30pm Arrival 6.30-7pm HCS AGM 7-7.30pm Coffee/tea served. Non HCS guests arrive 7.30pm Presentation by Charles Smith. Our AGM will include a revue of the past year’s activities, challenges and opportunities at a critical time for our town. To help with catering it would help if attendance could be confirmed by contacting Geoff Hughes by email:   … Read more

Here are a few key events and updates about the town’s current developments that I hope will shed a light on issues of fundamental interest to the society, some of which are not covered by other media in their reports.   Forthcoming Events HCS AGM and Speaker Event. Wednesday, March 26 at 6.30pm. Brian Jackson House, 2 New North Parade, Huddersfield HD1 5JP 6.15 -6.30pm Arrival 6.30-7pm HCS AGM 7pm-7.30 Coffee/tea served. Non HCS guests arrive The evening’s presentation will be of particular interest to many of our members and friends. Here are the details: Heritage: Looking to the Future: … Read more

Town Centre Masterplan – Huddersfield Open Market Following the announcement in my last update regarding public consultation about proposals for Huddersfield Open Market improvements I have now submitted comments on behalf of the society. These have been posted on the HCS News section and will feature in a news story on Huddersfield Hub. Forthcoming Events: HCS Christmas/New Year Social Event, January 15, 2025, Westin Drives, St Andrew’s Road, Huddersfield HD1 6NA A last call for anyone who wishes to attend our New Year Social. Food and drink will be available as well as the chance to win a prize by taking … Read more

HCS Christmas/New Year Social Event, January 15, 2025 Westin Drives, St Andrew’s Road, Huddersfield HD1 6NA Due to the popularity of previous events, we are again planning a social event on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, arriving between 6.30pm and 7pm. We are very grateful to our Deputy Chairman John Eastwood who has kindly offered to host the event in the magnificence and splendour of his beautifully renovated private function room in Westins Mill off St Andrew’s Road. Food and drink will be provided as well as the chance to win a prize by taking part in our chairman’s famously challenging annual … Read more

How the Castle Hill development will look next to Victoria Tower in Huddersfield. Credit One 17 Architects and Interior-Designers.

Our walk around Penistone had to be cancelled at the last minute due to heavy rain but we’ll be re-organising the walk for next Spring. In the meanwhile there’s plenty to report. St Peter’s Parish Church Event Space This new area was formally opened just over a week ago. The quality of the work is to a very high standard and I particularly like the position of the re-sited Joseph Kaye memorial. We remain concerned about the size of this area, eating into the gardens, resulting in the loss of valuable green space, especially when there are, and will be, … Read more

Forthcoming Events Heritage Open Days in Kirklees The online version of this year’s Kirklees HODs brochure can now be viewed on https://tinyurl.com/KirkleesHOD2024 and the print version is now available from local libraries and information centres. As mentioned previously, this year’s HOD Festival runs from Friday, September 6 to Sunday, September 15 and promises to be an exceptional year to discover some of the lesser known and exciting aspects of our district. Dozens of churches are also taking part in Yorkshire Churches Day (https://www.yhct.org.uk/yorkshire-churches-day/) on Saturday, September 14. Sunday, September 22, at 2pm: A Walk Around Penistone Town Centre Marlene Marshall … Read more

Discover Huddersfield There’s nothing more enjoyable than a summer stroll and I’m sure the next couple of Discover Huddersfield walks will prove popular. On Thursday evening, August 8, University of Huddersfield archivist Eleanor McKenzie will lead a tour around the remarkably diverse campus looking at buildings spanning over 150 years and the stories behind them. Then, on Sunday, August 18, Deb Wyles will reveal some of the historic landmarks and history of Holmfirth in a circular walk around the centre. Book a place on the walks via Eventbrite, (http://bit.ly/DiscoverHuddersfield), from 14 days before each walk. Walks cost £4.50 per person … Read more

All is quiet on the Kirklees front. Perhaps, as the editor of Huddersfield Hub recently said: “The council has been in neutral for the last few weeks pending the General Election.” We know officers are working hard to deliver the first phase of the Cultural Heart and remain under pressure to fulfil expectations regarding conservation and enforcement issues due to various constraints. However, there are a number of specific opportunities for HCS to make positive contributions in forthcoming meetings with the council and these and more is summarised in my following update. Forthcoming Events Last Call: Evening Visit to Wakefield … Read more

I hope that for those who attended our last couple of events – the Transpennine Rail Upgrade and St George’s Quarter presentations – will have appreciated our efforts in promoting and supporting some tremendous investment and improvement initiatives.  I hope this update will continue to both promote and inform all our members and friends of why our society is worthy of your support. Future Events Evening Visit to Wakefield, Wednesday, July 17, 2024 Places are booking fast so ensure you let us know if you’d like to attend as soon as possible. We meet outside Wakefield Westgate Railway Station at … Read more

It’s always a quiet period regarding news concerning Kirklees Council around the time of the local elections but there is still plenty of information to share this month. Future Events: St George’s Quarter – A Jewel in Huddersfield’s Crown: Presentation by Susan Meadwell, Project Director, Thursday, May 23, 7pm at New North Road, Baptist Church A rare opportunity for you to hear the aspirations of Hd1 Developments, owners of SGQ, the St Georges Quarter former railway warehouse in Huddersfield’s town centre. Susan Meadwell, Project Director for SGQ, will comment on the array of development designs explored, describe the capital works … Read more